Aluminium inventory to climb further post-CNY

Published: Feb 14, 2018 09:02 (GMT+8)
China’s aluminium inventory after Chinese New Year may continue to go up to 2.1 million mt and the price of the lightweight metal is set to trade in a wider range, SMM believes.

SHANGHAI, Feb 14 (SMM) – China’s aluminium inventory after Chinese New Year may continue to go up to 2.1 million mt and the price of the lightweight metal is set to trade in a wider range, SMM believes.

Earlier this week, SMM data showed that the country’s aluminium inventory hit a record high at 1.81 million mt due to weak consumption ahead of the week-long holiday. We believe the increase has been seasonal, and this has contributed to the decline in SHFE aluminium prices since the start of the year.  

While fundamentally there is more bullishness in the overseas market than in the Chinese domestic market, increasing aluminium exports from China last month may create uncertainties over the destocking process.  

 


For editorial queries, please contact Daisy Tseng at daisy@smm.cn 
For more information on how to access our research reports, please email service.en@smm.cn 

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
9 hours ago
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
Read More
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
Market sources report: South32 revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt, down from US$325/mt. Validity 5 October 2026.
9 hours ago
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
Oct 01, 2026 17:48 (GMT+8)
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
Read More
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
India ADC 12 prices remained relatively resilient despite a 1.2% decline in LME aluminium 3-month prices between September 24 and 30.
Oct 01, 2026 17:48 (GMT+8)
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
Oct 01, 2026 17:09 (GMT+8)
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
Read More
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
Rio Tinto announced on October 1 that it had reached agreements with the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Commonwealth Government and Hydro Tasmania to extend electricity supply to the Bell Bay aluminium smelter through the end of 2031. The two governments will also provide a combined A$200 million support package over five years, contributing A$100 million each. Commercial terms of the power agreement were not disclosed. Bell Bay produces around 190,000 tonnes of primary aluminium annually, while its existing electricity contract was due to expire at the end of 2026. The agreement removes the smelter’s immediate operational uncertainty. Bell Bay is the third major Australian aluminium smelter to receive government-backed support in 2026, following Boyne and Tomago, highlighting continued pressure from high electricity costs and international competition.
Oct 01, 2026 17:09 (GMT+8)